core_mainnpm
Advisory published Updated
core_main is a confirmed malicious npm package (MAL-2026-15668) that executes malicious code on install (malicious version 10.9.9). Do not install it — remove it immediately and rotate any exposed credentials.
Malicious code in core_main (npm)
What this malware does
The package was found to contain malicious code or consuming dependency that contains malicious code
Any computer that has this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised. All secrets and keys stored on that computer should be rotated immediately from a different computer. The package should be removed, but as full control of the computer may have been given to an outside entity, there is no guarantee that removing the package will remove all malicious software resulting from installing it.
Malicious versions
Indicators of compromise (SHA-256)
Detection & response playbook
Malicious packageFind it
Search your lockfiles and build artifacts for core_main (version 10.9.9).
If you installed it — respond
Remove core_main from your project and lockfile, then assume any secrets accessible to the build or runtime were exposed: rotate API keys, tokens, and credentials, and audit for unexpected outbound activity or persistence.
Did it already run?
If core_main was installed, its post-install payload may already have run. Removing the package does not undo that — check outbound connections and credential use from the install window onward.
Frequently asked questions
Campaign
References
Credits
- Amazon Inspector · finder
Detect & block this
O3 blocks core_main-class packages before install and in CI — and if it already ran, its runtime egress monitoring catches the malicious outbound activity and severs the channel.